Is evolution fact or fancy? Is natural selection an unsupported hypothesis or a confirmed mechanism of evolutionary change?

Darwin’s theory of evolution is accepted by most educated Americans as simple fact, but what if this idea is wrong? What if “evolution” is just a word that covers up scientific ignorance of how the wonders of the living world may have been created?

Berkeley law professor Phillip Johnson looks at the case for evolution with a lawyer’s cold, dispassionate eye for logic and proof. What he finds is that scientists have put the cart before the horse: they have prematurely accepted Darwin’s theory and have since been scrambling to back it up, mostly unsuccessfully. As the difficulties piled up, scientists have clung to the theory out of fear of encouraging religious fundamentalism, but in the process, they have turned Darwinism into a religion of its own.

Johnson’s relentless pursuit to follow the evidence wherever it leads remains as relevant today as it has ever been.

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Quotes & Awards

“Frederick Davidson, as the narrator, handles the material at just the right tempo, making it easy to evaluate what is being read.”

“Darwin on Trial is unquestionably the best critique of Darwinism I have ever read. Professor Johnson combines a broad knowledge of biology with the incisive logic of a leading legal scholar to deliver a brilliant and devastating attack on the whole edifice of Darwinian belief.”

Michael Denton, author of Evolution: A Theory in Crisis

“Dissecting the writings of Gould, Futuyama, Darwin, and Dawkins with a trenchant sword, law professor Johnson uses an attorney’s reasoning to scrutinize the scientists’ logic in defining the theory of evolution.”

Library Journal

Listener Opinions

Tracy | 2/12/2014

" This book is a refreshing, logical discussion of why many of the "facts of evolution" are simply not proven. As a child, I had no reason to question evolution. Everywhere I encountered it, biology class, museums, weather reports, astronomy lessons...it was presented as fact, not theory. The elaborate artwork that fills museums and books regarding evolution was not presented with a strong caveat. It was shocking to learn how experts--scientists-- defended evolution, even when faced with huge counterevidence. I thought scientists were unemotional truthseekers! The new version of this subjective science is the Global Warming Issue. How emotional the experts can be! I found myself continually reminded of the Global Warming Defenders. "

Jerry Mahn | 2/8/2014

" Very good book evaluating the arguments of Darwin from a legal standpoint. "

Paul Flynn | 2/5/2014

" Great book exposing the flaws in Darwinian logic and the lack of credible evidence for the scientifically inept theory. Darwinism is a religion, is supported by pseudoscience and is in general poorly understood. "

Josh Davis | 2/4/2014

" It does not focus on the modern theories about evolution and is littered with logical fallacies and badly researched nonsense. Satire at best. "

David Gilley | 1/31/2014

" Excellent legal like discussion regarding the theories of Darwin and how they can be broken down. "

Marie | 1/25/2014

" Phillip Johnson is not a scientist, and that is shouted loud and clear throughout this book. There are many other great books out there that argue the same point, but in a much better manner. Most of the book felt like an attack on specific people or institutions rather than a logical refutation of a theory. "

Russ Olsen | 1/3/2014

" A lawyer argues against evolution. Tail chasing nonsense. "

Adam Mcnutt | 12/29/2013

" great insight from a theist perspective. "

Mark M | 12/28/2013

" First chapter was an eyeopener for me. I never really thought about it before, but evolutionary thinking offers hypotheses not facts for their theory. Support for the theory of evolution has more faith than substance. "

Timmy Dy | 12/9/2013

" great book on evolution "

Karla | 11/25/2013

" Full of information concerning fossil records, genetic, and molecular evidence, and such. The author writes as a lawyer, and stands face to face with the likes of Dawkins, Darwin, Gould, and others. Researched and well written. "

Jim Blatzheim | 11/4/2013

" Really great book for anyone who thinks only dullards doubt Darwin. "

Beverly | 3/28/2013

" Another excellent rebuttal of the foolish beliefs of evolutionists "

Bill Nohmer | 1/2/2013

" We know so little about it (Darwinian evolution) that many christians think it is possible God used evolution in creation. Phillip E. Johnson takes a courtroom approach to his investigation/examination of Darwinian evolution and concludes: If it were on trial, it would LOSE. "

Griff | 4/8/2012

" Execellent and objective. "

Ryan | 2/28/2012

" The book that launched the Intelligent Design movement. After reading this, you'll never look the same way at the shallow Darwinistic dogma you get in the average news story of high school science textbook. "

Keith Brooks | 2/23/2012

" Great book. Way better than Behe. The chapter on the fossil evidence is worth the price of admission. And lest you think Behe is a quack, he's Professor Emeritus of law at UofC, Berkeley. "

Fred Rivett | 10/19/2011

" A very interesting read, albeit hard work at times for the uneducated reader! If you're interested in evolution and want to find out more, this is one of the best critiques around. Definitely recommended. "

Isaac | 10/5/2011

" A powerful and credible critique of darwinism and biological evolution. Focusing on where the evidence for evolution breaks down Johnson makes a convincing case that modern evolutionary theory is based in "pseudo-science" and has no true scientific basis. "

Emmablount | 7/18/2011

" Yet another view point on evolution and faith. This one says basically "well...IS...evolution true? Really...do we KNOW this?" And puts forward challenges to many arguments that are widely accepted as being 100% true. Very interesting book. "

Kevin | 12/29/2010

" Good intro to the New Atheist movement. Comprehensive. A little out of date though. "

Jim | 12/19/2010

" This book is full of bullshit! I read it to give the creationist story a chance, and this book convinced me at the time to become an evolutionist. "

Mark | 11/22/2010

" First chapter was an eyeopener for me. I never really thought about it before, but evolutionary thinking offers hypotheses not facts for their theory. Support for the theory of evolution has more faith than substance.
"

Emmablount | 6/13/2010

" Yet another view point on evolution and faith. This one says basically "well...IS...evolution true? Really...do we KNOW this?" And puts forward challenges to many arguments that are widely accepted as being 100% true. Very interesting book.
"

Russ | 6/12/2010

" A lawyer argues against evolution. Tail chasing nonsense.
"

Karla | 3/31/2010

" Full of information concerning fossil records, genetic, and molecular evidence, and such. The author writes as a lawyer, and stands face to face with the likes of Dawkins, Darwin, Gould, and others. Researched and well written.
"

David | 8/4/2009

" Excellent legal like discussion regarding the theories of Darwin and how they can be broken down.
"

Bill | 11/18/2008

" We know so little about it (Darwinian evolution) that many christians think it is possible God used evolution in creation. Phillip E. Johnson takes a courtroom approach to his investigation/examination of Darwinian evolution and concludes: If it were on trial, it would LOSE.
"

Jim | 7/14/2008

" This book is full of bullshit! I read it to give the creationist story a chance, and this book convinced me at the time to become an evolutionist.
"

About the Author

Phillip E. Johnson, a retired UC Berkeley law professor and author, is considered the father of the intelligent design movement and the architect of the Wedge strategy. He was also the cofounder of the Discovery Institute’s Center for Science and Culture. He is the author of several books on evolution, philosophical naturalism, and other cultural issues and has spoken extensively around the country.

About the Narrator

Frederick Davidson (1932–2005), also known as David Case, was one of the most prolific readers in the audiobook industry, recording more than eight hundred audiobooks in his lifetime, including over two hundred for Blackstone Audio. Born in London, he trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and performed for many years in radio plays for the British Broadcasting Company before coming to America in 1976. He received AudioFile’s Golden Voice Award and numerous Earphones Awards and was nominated for a Grammy for his readings.

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